Tips & Tactics

Binoculars Stabilizer Trick

Photo: This method of stabilizing binoculars becomes second nature after using it a few times.

Here's a tip many hunters from the western part of the country use a lot, but those of us east of the Mississippi might not know about.

I'm from Oregon, and I've noticed other hunters from the western United States use this trick frequently because long range hunting requires holding binoculars steady and trying to glass game at long distances.

When holding your binoculars or field glasses to your eyes, you’ve probably noticed your arms will fatigue and begin to shake fairly quickly.

Shaking can happen anytime you have to hold up your binoculars for extended periods of time, even at close range. And it does not take much of a tremble to make viewing difficult through high power lenses.

Try this the next time you are glassing and wearing a cap with a bill:

Pull the bill down snugly, then wrap your index fingers around the sides of the bill and use your thumbs to cradle the binoculars.

Your head and these added points of contact will stabilize your field glasses immediately and you won't tire nearly as fast.

I can't believe how many hunters have never heard of this simple hat trick. After a while it becomes second nature and you won’t even think about it. And if you try it once, you'll never hold binoculars the same again.

Editor’s Note: If you have a unique or special tip you’d like to share with Buckmasters fans, please email it to huntingtips@buckmasters.com and, if chosen, we will send you a cap signed by Jackie Bushman, along with a knife!

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